Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay on Wednesday announced a stronger government push to adapt to evolving travel patterns, unveiling plans to establish a Tourism Resilience Management Team as global uncertainties continue to reshape the industry.
Speaking at the Tourism Congress of the Philippines National Conference, Mathay said travel demand remains fundamentally strong despite signs of caution among consumers. She noted slower booking conversions, more selective spending, and cancellations in some segments, but emphasized that demand is not declining—it is shifting.
“Travel demand is not disappearing—it is rebalancing,” Mathay said, pointing to changing traveler behavior driven by economic and geopolitical factors.
Government data show that from January to April 27, the Philippines logged 2.24 million international arrivals, marking an almost 9 percent increase year-on-year.
The figures, she said, highlight a more dynamic tourism environment where travelers are increasingly discerning.
“What this tells us is simple: tourism demand is still strong—but more sensitive, more selective, and more dynamic,” she added.
With tourism contributing nearly 9 percent to the country’s gross domestic product and supporting about 6.75 million jobs, Mathay underscored the sector’s critical role in the broader economy. She said building resilience is no longer optional but essential.
The proposed Tourism Resilience Management Team will act as a central coordination platform, tasked with monitoring industry conditions, ensuring business continuity, strengthening collaboration, and guiding long-term resilience strategies.
Mathay also signaled a more proactive role for the Department of Tourism, stressing the need for tighter alignment across transport, trade, infrastructure, and local government units.
“Tourism will not grow through fragmented effort—it will grow when we operate as one ecosystem,” she said, urging stronger public-private partnerships to sustain growth and navigate uncertainty.
